How to Grow Grace Ward Lithodora

Grace Ward Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa “Grace Ward”) grows as an evergreen in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 to 8. This perennial groundcover produces woody prostrate branches that form a mass 6 to 12 inches tall and 36 to 48 inches wide. Trumpet-shaped blue flowers last from early spring until the end of summer. Lithodora is a low maintenance plant for butterfly gardens, rock gardens and woodland landscapes. In hot climates Grace Ward Lithodora does best in light shade locations, but in foggy temperate areas it grows well in full sun.

1

Loosen the soil with a shovel to the depth of 10 inches in a circle three times as wide as the plant pot. Lithodora requires good draining soil with the texture of potting soil. Mix a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic matter like compost, peat moss or processed manure into the soil. Smooth the soil with a rake.

2

Dig a hole that is the same depth as the container the Lithodora is planted in and twice as wide. Remove the plant from the container, keeping the soil around the roots. Place the rootball in the hole and fill around the roots with the amended soil. Plant the rest of the Lithodora plants 5 feet apart or closer if faster space coverage is desired.

3

Water the Grace Ward Lithodora deeply with a drip hose to encourage to roots to grow downward. The best time to water is in the morning so the leaves have time to dry in the sun. When rainfall is minimal, water the Lithodora once a week in the first year.

4

Spread a 1 inch layer of leaf or bark mulch around the plants after planting. Do not pile the mulch on the plant stems. Mulch is important for protecting the roots from extreme temperatures, reducing water evaporation from the soil and stunting weed growth.

5

Trim the plants back with a pair of sharp pruning shears in the summer after the flowers stop blooming. Cut away leggy stems and wayward branches. Trimming the plants controls the shape and size of the Lithodora.

6

Feed the Lithodora plants only when they need it in the late winter or early spring. This plant will signal its need to feed by developing greenish-yellow leaves. Use rhododendron fertilizer at the recommended rate on the package.

Things You Will Need

Shovel

Organic matter

Rake

Drip hose

Leaf mulch

Pruning shears

Rhododendron fertilizer

Tip

Grace Ward Lithodora is a good plant for areas that are visited by hungry deer. This is one of the last plants that deer will eat, since they seem to dislike its taste.

Warning

Do not plant Lithodora in heavy clay soil. This type of soil retains too much water and kills the groundcover at its roots.

About the Author

Karen Carter spent three years as a technology specialist in the public school system and her writing has appeared in the "Willapa Harbor Herald" and the "Rogue College Byline." She has an Associate of Arts from Rogue Community College with a certificate in computer information systems.